I have been wanting to buy a socket set to have on hand for when I need it; I'm not much of a handyman, but having a decent-quality set is still really useful. Having now done a bit of research about the options I'm somewhat overwhelmed - proof that a little bit of knowledge can be a dangerous thing! I never knew there were so many variables and therefore the number of possible combinations, and how hard it would be to find the ideal mix?! I want to get something of decent-enough quality that it'll last, but ideally below or around $100 (SCA has 30% off at the moment, which is what got me started).

Based on what I've read I was thinking of getting a set that:

* comes with a 3/8th inch drive size (even if additional to a 1/4 inch), simply to provide a bit more strength/torque if needed

* has six points rather than 12

* has deep sockets, or ideally a mixture of the two (I assume it's also a risk having only deep if there's simply not the space to fit the height of them?)

* is focused on a full range of metric sockets (but it seems like in NZ they tend to always come with a range of metric and imperial?)

Are these fair things to be looking for, or are some of them simply not a big issue given the likely infrequent use?

And, can anyone recommend any particular set or provide guidance on what I should be looking for from a set that will do most things ok?

Cheap socket ratchets have a very coarse "click". That means that you need to move the handle a (relatively) long way to get a click, so in a tight corner you may not be able to use it. And they just don't feel nice.

I don't see any reason for excluding 12-point sockets. Nor for including them, come to think of it, unless you're going to use them on square nuts.

Cheap sockets are made to a sloppy standard, and from (relatively) weak metal.

Think about what extensions you need, and adapters between different drive sizes.

For heavy duty stuff, you really want 1/2" drive.

In NZ, most of what you'll use is metric, unless you're into old British/American cars or motorbikes, planes, old NZ-made stuff.

How much should I care about getting a set with deep sockets? Or do I just buy a set of these (or individual sockets) separately?

What's the definition of 'cheap' in relation to a socket set? If I was paying around $100 for a relatively comprehensive set would that still be likely to be poor quality? I'm thinking of sets like these, all of which are around $100, and seem fairly comprehensive:

Plus 1 for the Koken 3/8 drive. Mine is also around 45 years old, and used in trade for a decade or so. Really recommend 12 point sockets as they fit onto damaged nuts/bolts easier. Cheap sets do tend to be 6 point though. Same with the deep sockets but maybe 6 pt not so important.

Unless you are anticipating dealing with large sizes, I would definitely recommend a 3/8 drive. It is much more versatile and gets in tighter spaces.

If you put too much torque on 1/4" drive gear, particularly the ratchet, you'll strip the teeth inside the ratchet - also relevant to 3/8" ratchets too, but less prevalent. Don't use your ratchet to "break" a nut or bolt - always use the bar.

You will find a lot of cheap sets make up for crap steel by increasing the wall thickness - and then you'll find you can't get them into places due to being too large in diameter externally.

$100 for a set is certainly down the cheaper end. I'm not suggesting you need Koken/SnapOn/StahlWille for infrequent use, but no one regrets buying quality. Find something with a lifetime warranty so if you do break it, it'll be replaced without issue. Many of the nut-stranglers at work use JBS with no complaints at all.

3/8 will suit you down to the ground initially. Save a little more and buy something of higher quality than you've initially been looking at.

Apart from plug sockets I think I've only got about 3 deep sockets bought as needed. A lot of sockets in a set will also never get used. My set is a bit like Frankenstein's monster, original bits and replacements of the most often used with better quality as I find them. SH dealers that do estate clearances will often have a bin of orphaned sockets @ $1ea where you can fill in gaps.

I get that it would be preferable to spend more money, but given my infrequent usage it's really not worth it; I also like the idea of being able to pick up additional or replacement pieces, including deep sockets, over time.

Given the comment re a 3/8 set being a bit more flexible in smaller spaces, I'm assuming it may be best to stay away from the 1/2 sets linked to in my earlier post?

If so, how would this set be, given it has a range of 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 sockets?

It comes down to what you think you're going to work on. 1/2" gear is getting into more heavy duty stuff, but that kit doesn't have a breaker bar. You'll wreck your ratchet in no time trying to undo an M16 bolt without the bar. It also only has one extension for 3/8" and 1/4", and none for 1/2".

I would recommend you find a dedicated 3/8" only kit, don't worry about 1/2" until you find you really need it. If you can find a 3/8" and 1/4" combo kit, that would be a better start.

+1 for Bahco sockets. Had the 106 piece 1/2" set for commercial maintenance work for 9 years, never broken anything. Often see the fitters with a set as they are so versatile and good value for money. Waaay over the top for work around the home, but hey, its OK to have nice things. :-)

Fuller Pro have a lifetime warranty, so worth a consideration, I see Mitre10 have a 33 piece 3/8" drive for $96. Fine for around the home, but not if you start taking your car apart.